Child of the Rebellion: West Virginia Sesquicentennial
Civil War Union Militia Correspondence

Kanawha C.H., W. Va.
17th April, 1866,

Dear Sir,
David P. King was second segt in Capt. Wm Ellison’s Co of W. Va State Troops on the 10th of Jany, 1864. On the night of that day he was captured by the Rebels on the Head of Big-Sandy Creek, in Roane Co, and was taken by them and confined in a prison pen on Bunch’s Hill, in Monroe Co, and afterwards to Silby Prison at Richmond. He was afterwards parroled[sic] and sent to Wheeling, where he arrived Sept, 15, 1864, as will be seen by refference[sic] to the Aj: Genls rolls.

While he was in prison he was reported “dead”

He was paid (through his captain) up to June 1st, 1864. But said that date he has received no pay.

He thinks he is entitled to pay from the said 1st June 1864, to the time of his final release at Wheeling, on Sept. 15, 1864.

He also claims commutation for clothing & subsistence from Jany 10th 1864 to Sept. 15, 1864.

Now this is to inquire whether such a claim will be paid by W. Va., if the papers & proof be properly made out.

We would not trouble you with this communication, were it not that we have formed by experience that claims such as would be allowed at Washington. We therefore desire to save King unnecessary ex.-pence.

Hoping that you will favor us with an early reply.

We remain &c. &c.
Joseph G. Cox & Bro: U.S. Claim Agents.

Transcription by Jeffrie Carroll, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton’s Fall 2010 “Introduction to Public History” at West Virginia State University